"Yes, since I 'shop' for a living the assumption is that the perfect gift is always available and around me," admits Sahar Sokhandan, Nordstrom's buyer of designer fine apparel and evening collections.

Call it a job hazard for Sahar, but it's a win for you; today we're sharing her pro gift-giving insight as well as tips and trade secrets from fellow buyer Jennifer Sabenorio.

Sabenorio: The ultimate gift for the holidays is a coveted designer handbag. Iconic brands and silhouettes are always the way to go. A handbag carries your entire life and all of the tools you need to navigate through your day. Women covet them, and we quite literally have them by our sides every day.

Sokhandan: I love to give practical gifts as they are always a constant reminder of the person that gave them to you-something that you use day in and day out. Some of my most treasured gifts are a passport holder from my best friend and jewelry that I wear everyday from my husband.

Sabenorio: I've learned to go with gifts that trigger emotion and a memory-it can be quirky or sentimental, but that's my recipe. I also tend to think about the three P's: Personality, Packaging and Passion.

Sokhandan: Shop early! If I stumble upon the perfect holiday gift in June I typically just buy it then or make a note of it. Waiting until the last minute never works for me as the gifts never end up being quite authentic.

Sabenorio: The best gifts I receive are the gifts that are exclusive and truly thoughtful. A few years ago, my husband gifted me a Burberry trench coat. With all of the travel that comes along with my career, it's definitely been the gift that keeps on giving.

Sokhandan: I love to give and receive monogrammed gifts; I think personalization is a great way to set your gift apart. A couple of Christmases ago we gave our team at work monogrammed camouflage tote bags-a sign that the team loved them is being able to see each of them carry their bags to and from the office.

Sokhandan: The funny thing is that my closest friends and family say that I am the hardest person to shop for. Personally I think they are wrong J If I am stuck on getting someone the perfect gift I try to think of what their hobbies are and/or what they are passionate about. Whether that's golf, cooking, traveling, or running I try to find something that fits into their everyday life.